LANGLEY — Welcome to one of our most anticipated days of the high school sport season.
One day before the start of the B.C. senior girls Double-A and Triple-A provincial championship tournaments, the B.C. Secondary School Girls Basketball Association, in conjunction with Varsity Letters, unveils its annual Baden Player of the Year and Top 15 Dream Team.
The POY and Top 15 high school players for the 2018-19 season are selected by a committee of the BCSSGBA. Coaches at all tiers were invited to cast a ballot to vote on the top players they have seen this year; excluding players on their own teams. Ballots were counted and a committee, representative of all tiers, selected the final POY and Top 15. The BCSSGBA acknowledge that many outstanding players in B.C. are not included but congratulate those players recognized in this pool.
While Varsity Letters is proud to partner with the BCSSGBA in the presentation of the Player of the Year and the Top 15 Dream Team players, it had no role in any part of the selection process.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
TAVIA ROWELL, Walnut Grove Gators (Langley)
Grade: 12
Height: 5-foot-10
Averages: 25 points, 5.5 rebounds, 11 assists
The skinny — Tavia has helped elevate Walnut Grove girls basketball into that of provincial power throughout her five years of high school basketball. She has set a great example for female athletes at Walnut Grove of what can be achieved with hard work. She has also been a kid who connects with female basketball players at all levels at her school, including them in the program and inspiring them to pursue excellence.
University choice: Grand Canyon (NCAA Div. 1)
THE TOP 15
(in alphabetical order)
SHEMAIAH ABATAYO, Britannia Bruins (Vancouver)
Grade: 11
Height: 5-foot-5
Averages: 20.2 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals.
The skinny — Extraordinary ball handler. Wonderful basketball IQ in the sense that she makes excellent choices on the court. No fear. Shemaiah is a strong academic student who is a role model for basketball at Britannia.
University choice: — Undecided
JESSICA CLARKE, St. Thomas Aquinas Fighting Saints (North Vancouver)
Grade: 11
Height: 6-foot-3
Averages: 22 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists
The skinny — Jessica is a powerful inside presence for the Fighting Saints at both ends of the floor. As one who is deeply to committed to her sport of basketball, she has set the bar for all players in the St. Thomas Aquinas program.
University choice — undecided.
JENNA DICK, Brookswood Bobcats (Langley)
Grade: 12
Height: 5-foot-6
Averages: 18 points, 2.4 assists, 3 rebounds
University choice: Eastern Washington (NCAA Div. 1)
The skinny — Joined the senior varsity in Grade 10 and made an immediate impact and has upped her momentum through three seasons. Stellar from behind the three-point line, she is often overlooked for her defence. A quiet leader, this is her third straight selection to the B.C. Top 15.
KENNEDY DICKIE, Kelowna Owls
Grade: 12
Height: 6-foot
Averages: 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists
The skinny — Exceptional at both ends of the court, her length, athleticism and skill-set combine to challenge opponents. A co-captain who leads by example, she loves to share her knowledge of the game with her teammates.
University choice: Eastern Washington (NCAA Div. 1)
FAITH DUT, Semiahmoo Totems (Surrey)
Grade: 12
Height: 6-foot-4
Averages: 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists
The skinny — An infectious enthusiasm, a joy of playing and a drive to improve her team, she uses her basketball IQ and athleticism at both ends of the court, whether that be blocking shots, rebounding, keying transition, or scoring inside or out.
University choice: Florida (NCAA Div. 1)
IZZY FORSYTH, Semiahmoo Totems (Surrey)
Grade: 10
Height: 6-foot
Averages: 20 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists
The skinny — Her work ethic is one of her greatest strengths. She has made coming to the gym for early morning workouts a norm for the female athletes at Semiahmoo. An outstanding rebounder with tremendous footwork and an extremely versatile game which features her ability to move seamlessly from the three-point line to the low post.
University choice – Undecided.
MAKENNA GARDNER, Langley Christian Lightning
Grade: 11
Height: 5-foot-9
Averages: 24 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists
The skinny — Makenna’s ability to shoot the ball as well as distribute to her teammates and be a leader have been an invaluable asset to a young Lightning team. She has a tremendous work ethic and that, along with a team-first attitude has a positive ripple effect throughout the entire LCS Lightning program.
University choice — undecided
MADDY GOBEIL, South Kamloops Titans
Grade: 12
Height: 5-foot-10
Averages: 24.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists
University choice: Fraser Valley (U Sports)
The skinny — Maddy is the heart of the Titans. Possessing an exceptional skill set, she plays with high energy and a level of physicality and enthusiasm that defines her leadership. Motivated from an early age, she led her team to a provincial Double A championship last season and was chosen tournament MVP for her efforts.
MARIN LENZ, Abbotsford Panthers
Grade: 11
Height: 5-foot-5
Averages: 29 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals
The skinny — Isn’t just about her scoring, Marin brings a combination of hard work, practice, determination and a strong and focused mind. Her will to win, dedication and spirit has been infectious not only to her team but at her school. Lenz has raised the level of interest in basketball and students are now coming to the gym and working on their own skills. A great leader that attracts and inspires others.
University choice: Undecided
SURPRISE MUNIE, Britannia Bruins (Vancouver)
Grade: 11
Height: 5-foot-9
Averages: 25 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 steals
The skinny — Named Most Valuable Defensive Player at 2018 B.C. Double A Championships. A great on-ball defender who seems to grab the key rebound and make the key steal at the most critical time. Wonderful quickness and lateral mobility. Has worked very hard on her shooting. Tremendous service to her school and community.
University choice — undecided
TANA PANKRATZ, Yale Lions (Abbotsford)
Grade: 12
Height: 6-foot-2
Averages: 20.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists
The skinny — Tana is a rare blend of lethal offensive skills along with dazzling defensive ability. With her length and will, she has the ability to alter a game on both ends of the court like few others can. Makes everyone around her better.
University choice: Victoria (U Sports)
JESSICA PARKER, Riverside Rapids (Port Coquitlam)
Grade: 12
Height: 5-foot-8
Averages: 25.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists
The skinny — Has put forth a breakout season, showcasing the multitude of ways in which she can score. Shoots the three, has a great pull up and can get to rim. Noted as a tremendous worker.
University choice: Fraser Valley Cascades (U Sports)
DEANNA TUCHSCHERER, G.W. Graham Grizzlies (Chilliwack)
Grade: 12
Height: 6-foot-1
Averages: 26 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists
The skinny — Deanna has been a leader for the Grizzlies since she joined in eighth grade. A dynamic player who affects the play defensively and offensively, she has positively impacted her teammates and younger Grizzlies players, paving a path of excellence for everyone in school’s basketball program.
University choice: Fraser Valley (U Sports)
TARA WALLACK, Semiahmoo Totems (Surrey)
Grade: 10
Height: 6-foot-1
Averages: 17 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists
The skinny — Extremely athletic, Tara has the ability to go inside and outside, as well as guard four positions. By adding strength and multiple skills to her toolbox, she has helped improve her teammates in practice, as well as making them better in-game through her passing, penetration and willingness to do whatever is required.
University choice: Undecided
JESSICA WISOTZKI, Walnut Grove Gators (Langley)
Grade: 12
Height: 6-foot-1
Averages: 23.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists.
The skinny — A truly unique player who can hit threes, rebound against full-time posts, run and fast break like a compact guard, and catch any pass thrown her way. A noted warrior-type who battles in the paint, her most recent improvement as a player has been her development as a vocal leader.
University choice— Simon Fraser (NCAA Div. 2)
The POY and Top 15 high school players for the 2018-19 season are selected by a committee of the BCSSGBA. Coaches at all tiers are invited to cast a ballot to vote on the top players they have seen this year; excluding players on their own teams. Ballots are counted and a committee, representative of all tiers, selects the final POY and Top 15. The BCSSGBA acknowledge that many outstanding players in BC are not included but congratulate those players recognized in this pool.
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